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Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, drives surge in gold prices

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Gold price rebounds toward record highs of $3,246 after the previous pullback.  Trump’s back-and-forth on tariffs creates uncertainty, underpinning Gold’s safe-haven appeal.Gold remains poised for a fresh leg higher on bullish technical setup on the daily chart.Gold price is bouncing back toward the record highs of $3,246 set on Monday as buyers fight back control despite a sense of calm across the financial markets early Tuesday.

This resurgence comes despite relative calm in broader financial markets, and it underscores the enduring appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset amid political and economic turbulence. Central to this dynamic is the evolving and often erratic trade policy rhetoric emanating from the United States, particularly from former President Donald Trump. As markets struggle to interpret shifting stances on tariffs and brace for consequential economic data, gold appears poised to continue its upward trajectory, supported by both technical and fundamental factors.

The reemergence of gold’s bullish momentum occurs against a backdrop of a moderating U.S. bond market. Last week’s surge in Treasury yields—a swift 50 basis point increase—has partially reversed, with the benchmark 10-year yield falling by approximately 10 basis points. This stabilization has provided a brief respite for investors, many of whom are digesting not only earnings reports from major U.S. corporations but also the ongoing ambiguity surrounding American trade policy.

Trump’s recent comments on adjusting the 25% tariffs on auto and auto parts imports from key partners such as Mexico and Canada have injected fresh uncertainty into the market. His administration’s exemptions for certain technology products, like smartphones and laptops, only added complexity, especially as these items remain subject to less severe 20% tariffs rather than the previously discussed 145% rate. Trump’s mention of impending tariff decisions on semiconductors further adds to the volatility.

Such unpredictability has clear implications for investor sentiment, which in turn sustains the allure of gold. As a non-yielding asset traditionally viewed as a hedge against economic instability, gold thrives during periods when policy inconsistency undermines market confidence. Moreover, the anticipation of further dovish shifts by the Federal Reserve amplifies this dynamic. Remarks from Fed Governor Christopher Waller this week highlighted the economic strain caused by tariff policies, suggesting that rate cuts might be necessary even in the face of persistent inflation. While some voices, like Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, urge a wait-and-see approach, markets are pricing in substantial rate reductions—approximately 85 basis points by year’s end—with high confidence that rates will remain unchanged at the Fed’s next meeting in May.

Beyond the U.S., global factors are also reinforcing the upward pressure on gold prices. Chinese investors have significantly increased their holdings in physically backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in April, a trend confirmed by the World Gold Council. This inflow reflects both domestic economic concerns and a broader global appetite for risk hedging, particularly as China prepares to release its first-quarter GDP data. Monday’s announcement from China Customs, revealing a 12.4% year-over-year surge in exports for March, underscores the urgency with which Chinese exporters have responded to looming U.S. tariff hikes.

As gold continues its climb, technical indicators on the daily chart support the potential for further gains. Yet, this ascent remains contingent on several evolving narratives: Trump’s tariff proclamations, the Fed’s policy responses, and the tone of incoming macroeconomic data from China and beyond. In this complex and fluid environment, gold retains its timeless luster—not merely as a commodity, but as a barometer of global uncertainty.

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International News

GJ exporters  hasten US shipments amid tariff uncertainty

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Following a landmark US Supreme Court ruling on February 20, 2026, which invalidated President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the trade landscape has shifted into a volatile transition period. In response, the US administration has invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, implementing a temporary 15% global import surcharge.

Indian exporters in various sectors including GJ are currently racing to maximize shipments within a 150-day window to capitalize on the relative certainty of the current 15% rate before potential further escalations under Section 301. The “150-day window” (ending roughly in July 2026) has become a critical marathon for Indian logistics. While the Supreme Court ruling offered a brief moment of relief by striking down 50% “penalty” duties, the immediate reimposition of a 15% surcharge keeps the “landed cost” of Indian goods high.

Gems and Jewellery sector impact

  • Current Status: The sector is reeling from a 60% year-on-year decline in cut and polished diamond exports (falling from $3.64 billion to $1.45 billion in the April–December 2025 period).
  • Exporter Action: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) successfully requested Mumbai Customs to remain open over the weekend to facilitate immediate dispatches.
  • Trade Deal Outlook: Under a recently announced interim framework, India expects zero-duty access for diamonds and a reduction in jewellery tariffs to 18% (down from 25%). Exporters are rushing to ship goods before these negotiated terms are potentially complicated by the new Section 122 surcharge.

Technical Regulatory Framework

The shift in US policy utilizes two distinct legal “hammers”:

RegulationStatusImpact on Indian Exporters
IEEPA (Reciprocal Tariffs)InvalidatedStruck down by SCOTUS (6-3); provides legal grounds for potential duty refunds.
Section 122 (Trade Act 1974)Active15% surcharge for a maximum of 150 days to address balance-of-payments deficits.
Section 301ThreatenedAllows USTR to impose punitive tariffs for “unfair” trade practices; seen as a looming risk.

Strategic Outlook

The “150-day window” (ending roughly in July 2026) has become a critical marathon for Indian logistics. While the Supreme Court ruling offered a brief moment of relief by striking down 50% “penalty” duties, the immediate reimposition of a 15% surcharge keeps the “landed cost” of Indian goods high.

Note: Exporters are urged to maintain close coordination with the Union Commerce Ministry, as the operationalization of the India-US Interim Trade Pact (expected in April 2026) may offer a “carve-out” or preferential rate that bypasses the global 15% surcharge.

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